Baby Ballerinas

In those days, most of the girls in my small class of twenty-four were close, and I considered many of them my best friends. Even so, my favorite memories took place with a small group of girls, all of whom I am still close with. I value my relationships with friends and family more than anything else in life, and treasure each memory I have so I will be able to tell my children about them later in life.

Dana and I attended different middle and high schools. Even so, it was during these years that our friendship grew into what it is today. I have spent more weekends at her house with her family than I can count. I’ve never slept in a more comfortable bed than that of her elder brother who moved out of Dana’s house years ago. When we’re both home at the same time, an occurrence which is increasingly rare, we have our favorite café, restaurants, shops etc. I’m normally exceedingly antsy about staying home at night, but with Dana, I have as much fun baking cookies and watching bad TV than I do dressing up and going out.

There are so many things that I love about Dana. She’s one of the wisest people I know. She has what people describe as an “old soul.” She gives incredible advice, and knows exactly what to say when I’m upset, whether it’s commiserating with my woes or shedding light on something I had failed to notice. I have never in my life felt judged by her, and I feel like I can say absolutely anything to her without worrying about what she’ll think. In turn, I know Dana can be completely honest with me no matter what, and I’m totally confident that if she has a problem she will come to me for advice. I’m pretty open, and I don’t hold a lot back from my friends, but when there is something that hurts me deep down, I look to Dana without a second’s hesitation.

One thing that makes our friendship special is simply the fact that it has endured so many years. Each year brings new celebrations and new tragedies, and it also brings us that much closer. I remember visiting her house when her mom was sick with Breast Cancer. I also remember when her father, one of the nicest men I know, remarried the mother of one of our other close friends.